The Whitehaven Aircrash of 14 October 1943
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| 1. Avro Anson Mk I Aircrash (14 October 1943) Rededicated memorial bench at the crash site Arrowthwaite Woods, Kells, Whitehaven [75 years after five airmen died here] |
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| 2. Dedication inscription to the 5 airmen who died "Always in our hearts and minds" |
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| 3. Personal tributes to the five airmen who died Thursday 14 October 1943 (c. 4.30 pm) |
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| 4. Personal tribute from an eye witness 75 years of Remembrance |
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| 5. View to the south from the aircrash site (October 2018 - 75 years after the crash) =================================== 75 Years of Remembrance (14 October 1943 - 14 October 2018) |
Sergeant (Pilot) Vincent James DUNNIGAN, RCAF, aged 26
Sergeant (Wireless Op./Air Gunner) Thomas INMAN, RAFVR, aged 20
Sergeant (Navigator) Cyril JOHNSON, RAFVR, aged 33
Sergeant (Navigator) Rene Harold MURPHY, RCAF, aged 20
Flying Officer (Pilot) Henry Joseph O'GARA, RAFVR, aged 29
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For additional information click on 'Comments' below'.
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posted by ritsonvaljos at 9:41 pm
3 Comments:
75 years of Remembrance
At about 4.30 pm on Thursday afternoon 14 October 1943 an Avro Anson MkI on a training flight from RAF Millom crashed about 30 miles (50 Kms) to the north at Arrowthwaite Woods, Whitehaven. All five aircrew lost their lives as the result of the crash.
The BBC "People's War" website (from which this Blog site developed) had a number of articles posted regarding this aircrash including contributions from relatives and some eye witnesses. Following on from these articles and the identification of the airmen who died, in September 2008 a memorial bench was dedicated to their memory at the crash site. Ten years later, shortly before the 75th anniversary of the incident the memorial bench has been upgraded and rededicated in a quiet and respectful way to remember the five airmen (see photographs 1- 5 above). It is believed this bench is better able to withstand the weathering and retain its purpose for many years to come.
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Dedication to the five airmen:
"Here, on this hillside we stand and remember,
We stand to bear witness,
We stand to express our thanks.
In the presence of God and one another we recall those who died on Thursday 14 October 1943, whilst preparing to defend the life and liberty of the Free World."
Lest we forget.
Given by those who saw this sad event.
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The Airman’s Prayer:
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Pilot divine, and Lord of all on high
Thine are the starry squadrons of the sky!
Lead us whose wings for freedoms sake now soar,
Into our hearts thy faith and courage pour
Oh hear our prayer.
Set Thou our course whose trust is laid in Thee!
Oh Thou who chartest all eternity!
Through cloud and sunshine, through darkest night
Guide Thou our wings who battle for the right
Oh hear our prayer.
Father and friend, in whose almighty name
We dedicate our lives to freedom’s flame,
Bless now our wings as on through space we wend.
Bless us who to Thy care our souls commend
Oh hear our prayer.
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[R.A.F. Benevolent Fund]
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